A view on the introduction of China teak in Manipur

Kh Hitler Singh *

The writer has a strong apprehension of likely ecological problem by the introduction of the fast growing exotic tree species commonly called China Teak in Manipur. Many people raised several points about the benefits of planting the tree species and requested the seedlings from the nurseries.

China Teak is not really Teak (Tectona grandis). It is a species which in between hardwood and softwood as the annual growth ring is very large. It is a species of Paulownia family. There are about sixteen species of Paulownia in China. In China they are planted as avenue tree and planted for plywood industries and packaged industries.

About the benefit; they claimed that this tree could be harvested within a very short span of time i.e. five to seven years and produce very good quality wood which can be used in different use such carpentry, packaged industries and other uses. A china teak tree is estimated to earn about Rupees thirty lakh in seventeen to eighteen years as per their calculation.

Introduction of this tree species in Manipur should be carried out under strict control and after a thorough study of possible impact to the native flora and fauna; biodiversity; ecosystem of Manipur etc. But at this juncture without the green signal of environmentalist and experts many individual farmers and entrepreneurs have started planting the tree species in large scale with large amount of investment. They have procured the seedlings even at the rate Rs 35.00 per seedling.

As we know that certain exotic species become invasive species in the local condition. Thus we should be extremely cautious for large scale planting of China Teak (Paulownia spp). As per the report of National Invasive Species Information Centre of United State Department of Agriculture; a native of China, Princess tree (Paulownia tomentosa) grows and produces seeds rapidly, and displaces native species in disturbed areas in U.S. which was introduced as ornamental plant in 1840s.

Some of the exotic species introduced in Manipur from time to time are listed and discussed herewith. But these points required further suggestions and in-depth studies The race for planting this exotic tree species i.e. China teak is due to the claim of early rotation/harvest which shall result in early income from plantation activities.

At this juncture we have to ponder and consult relevant departmental officials about the venture of massive exotic tree plantation or about the alternative fast growing indigenous timber species or bamboo species which has short rotation/harvest for early generation of income.

We have many fast growing species such as Termanalia myriocarpa (Tolhao), Duabanga sonneratioides (Tal), Gmelina arborea (Wang), Toona ciliata (Tairen), Melia azedarach (Seijrak) and Bamboosa tulda (Saneibi) which are suited to our soil and ecological condition. Recently I had an opportunity to interact and clarify from some of my senior Forest Officers in a training session regarding the plantation of China Teak in Manipur.

Shri Kereilhouvi Angami Addl. PCCF (FDA & Development) and Smt Soreiphy Vashum CF/Eastern Circle had clarify about the introduction of this Species in Manipur and Nagaland and they opined that the plantation of China teak should not be encouraged as they are of very soft wood which has limited utilization, not even useful as fuel-wood and there is no monetary value when harvested. As such it shall be better option to plant local indigenous fast growing tree species and different bamboo species in mixed plantation.

Monoculture of indigenous or exotic should be avoided as the tree crops are liable to easy attack from different kinds of insects and pests and also it is detrimental to the conservation of biodiversity.

Bamboo should be planted mixed with timber as it can give early income which can offset long gestation period of income in case of trees species. In case of Bamboo Plantation; harvesting may start within five or six years of plantation and the number of bamboo culms increase with the age of the clump.

Bamboo can be now strengthened by chemical treatment and different product such sofa, beds, table and bamboo ply can be manufactured from bamboo with little investment in machinery.

So, let us think twice and examine other alternative before venturing the plantation of China Teak (Paulownia spp) which may turn out to be a financial disaster for the farmers or entrepreneurs and ecological disaster for the State.

(The views expressed herewith are in academic interest and not necessarily that of the Forest Department, Manipur.)